High flying in Brooklyn

Starting this Thursday, The Montessori Circus Show comes to town, an avant garde performance featuring aerialists, hula hooping, puppetry, wood chopping, baking, and some clowning thrown in for good measure.

With its 15-foot ceilings and wood ceiling, The Bushwick Starr makes for a perfect venue for the circus, one of several in Brooklyn able to accommodate a trapeze.

"There seems to be a big following for it," says Sue Kessler, managing director and curator of The Bushwick Starr, who's had several trapeze troupes come through since opening as a performance space two years ago.

With its loft and industrial spaces, Brooklyn at large has been a breeding ground for young trapeze artists. Here's a look at some of the main players and places specializing in trapeze, many of which also have classes so you can get in on the fun as well:

Lollo Brigitta: A trapeze duo comprised of Lollo Romanski and Cecilia Grimm, the two created The Montessori Circus Show for the Bushwick Starr, which is their first full-length show and also features the talents of acrobats Jocelyn Davis and Ana Carolina. It starts this Thursday, December 3, and runs for two weekends only.

Ruby Streak Studio: Founded by performer/instructor Natalie Agee, this Sunset Park-based studio offers private and semi-private instruction in trapeze, handstands, acrobatic partnering and more, to people of all levels. Studio rental space to qualified students and professionals is also available. The space frequently hosts performances as well, though the next event is non-aerial related - a holiday craft fair on December 20.

Espana-Streb Trapeze Academy: This Williamsburg space, a former warehouse near the waterfront, gets you soaring with classes in the flying trapeze. Classes and workshops are held in the Streb Lab for Action Mechanics, which is also home to Streb's Pop Action school, as well as performances by the company. Want to get flying? Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. are devoted to a beginner trapeze workshop (drop ins welcome), costing $425 for 10 weeks. Email trapeze@streb.org to book a spot.

The Trapeze Loft: Tanya Gagné (one half of the world-famous Wau-Wau Sisters) and local circus artist teaches the craft at the Trapeze Loft in Williamsburg. Founded in 1999 as a place to learn and improve circus skills in a professional yet relaxed and supportive environment, the Loft offers classes in juggling, hula hooping, tightrope, handstands, lyra, doubles trapeze, and more. An upcoming highlight includes aerial silks lessons from Kellie Vella, for both beginner and advanced levels. For two weeks starting December 18. Email kvelour@yahoo.com to sign up.

Galapagos Art Space: The DUMBO venue has seen its fair share of aerial arts, including shows from The Trapeze Loft and various runs by aerial troupe Suspended Cirque. Each week, the cabaret space hosts its Floating Karaette, a variety show sure to have an acrobatic or two. In fact, this Friday's features Germany aerial adonis Jan Manke and aerial beauty Lisa Natoli as some of its featured acts. And on December 19 and 20, the aforementioned Suspended Cirque brings its 12 Acts of Christmas to the space, a holiday spectacular up in the air.

Unata Aerial Yoga: Michelle Dortignac, a member of Suspended Cirque, is at the helm of this yoga studio, which combines traditional yoga with the physical training of an aerial acrobat, so you're suspended as you stretch your spine. The main class location in Brooklyn in Williamsburg kicks off its winter schedule this Saturday for those interested in checking it out. All levels welcome.

LAVA: Artists like Lollo Romanski and Cecilia Grimm have trained with LAVA, a troupe of artists who perform original works that combine dance, theater and acrobatics, training in their Prospect Heights studio. Last seen in Brooklyn performing "we become," LAVA is currently on tour for that show. The studio also provides classes in acrobatics and trapeze for kids and adults. The winter session begins January 4, with registration beginning December 7. Check its website for the complete schedule.